Joseph Bernhard

Joseph W. Bernhard, Sr., was born on September 21, 1932, in Newnan, Georgia. He passed away on September 7, 2010, in Colorado Springs. Joe was a caring, charming, funny, and strong man who was very loved by the many family members and friends he leaves behind. He was a proud military veteran who enlisted in the Air Force in 1951. He met Jill Capraro while stationed in Miami, Florida, and married her on August 3, 1956. Shortly after, the handsome couple started out for Alaska in Joe’s sharp 1956 Chevy on a lifetime journey that would take them overseas and to fifty states. His career included assignments to North Africa, England, Thailand, South Korea, and Japan, and to his beloved southwest states of Arizona and New Mexico. He specialized in aircraft management and scheduling; was part of the 5th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (the famed Spittin’ Kittens) in Minot, North Dakota; and received numerous awards for his dedication, leadership, and meritorious service. After his service at NORAD, Joe retired from the Air Force in 1979 at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He then continued his service to our country by working for the US Post Office for ten years. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Geraldine (Mobley) Bernhard, and by his wife of 45 years. He kept a locket with a picture of himself and Jill close to his heart ever since her death in 2002. He is survived by a large and thankful family. Brother Wilson (Patsy) Bernhard and sister Karen (Don) Froseth, both of Newnan. His six children: Joseph Bernhard, Jr., of Colorado Springs; Cynthia (Steve) Sessions of Minot; Tammy (Mike) Bernhard-Tanis of Colorado Springs; Bill (Debbie) Bernhard of Tierra Verde, Florida; Tracey (Bill) Pritchard of Colorado Springs; and Jolene (Mike) Bernhard of Seattle, Washington. His grandchildren: Casey Howell, Shane Sessions, Cally Sessions, Jessica Stott, Justin Sabata, Jordan Sabata, Tyler Tanis, Hannah Bernhard, Jack Bernhard, Ashley Bell, and Brittany Bell. And his great-grandchildren: Tierney, Andrew, Sophia, Kaelee, and Ashton. He will be buried at the National Veterans Cemetery in Santa Fe. Donations can be made to Wounded Warriors (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or to Wish of a Lifetime (www.seniorwish.org). Joe was a good man. He will be greatly missed.